“Opening up relations with Cuba will present new opportunities for trade and tourism for New Mexicans, and I’m proud to continue working to build business and cultural ties between our countries,” Udall said in a statement sent to media on Thursday. “I look forward to engaging in a collaborative dialogue this weekend with Cuban and U.S. officials, Cuban business owners and citizens to explore how we can best develop a 21st century relationship with Cuba that boosts economic growth and brings freedom and openness to Cubans.”

It is the latest example of relations between the two nations thawing in recent years.

Also taking place during the trip is the Havana Biennial where artists from both countries will participate, including an artist from Taos.

According to Wichita State University, the Havana Biennial is “the first time in the history of the Havana Biennial in which a Cuban and U.S. curator have closely worked together on a project.”

Udall is one of four members of Congress who will be making the trip. All are Democrats. Udall will be joined by U.S. Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota and U.S. Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona and John Larson of Connecticut.

Another topic was on Udall’s mind ahead of the trip, however. Udall also called for the extradition of Charlie Hill, a fugitive wanted for the killing of a New Mexico state police officer. After the officer was killed, Hill and two others hijacked a plane and flew to Cuba. Hill has remained there since then; the other two have since died.

The Albuquerque Journal first reported on Udall’s trip and his call for the extradition of Hill from the isolated country that has been at-odds with the United States for decades. The paper quoted Udall speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a committee on which Udall sits.

“I’d like to express my support for the extradition of Charlie Hill,” Udall told the panel. “The extradition of criminals is an important part of any normal relations between countries.”Udall said Hill “must be brought to justice.”

“I know the State Department shares this objective and I hope we can continue to make this a priority until we get it done,” Udall said.

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Matthew Reichbach is the editor of the NM Political Report. The former founder and editor of the NM Telegram, Matthew was also a co-founder of New Mexico FBIHOP with his brother and one of the original hires at the groundbreaking website the New Mexico Independent. Matthew has covered events such as the Democratic National Convention and Netroots Nation and formerly published, “The Morning Word,” a daily political news summary for NM Telegram and the Santa Fe Reporter.
Matthew has appeared as a panelist for the Society of Professional Journalists’ New Mexico Chapter’s panel on covering New Mexico politics and the legislature.
A native New Mexican from Rio Rancho, Matthew’s family has been in New Mexico since the 1600s.